Three words: Go for it.

When a team is this close, with less holes than many of their competitors, not to mention being on a run like this, sacrificing a pick and a good prospect for the chance to raise the cup again is totally worth it. Vermette and Desjardins could have imploded. But the reverse is moreso; not doing anything, knowing the glaring hole at centre without backup like they had in 2010, one would be hard-pressed to imagine winning it all.

They need a 1L/3L and a 4D, plus staying relatively healthy. Here's to SB pulling it off again.

If you can get the right return, there should not be any apprehension to trading most players. While I understand the 1LW and #4 d-man talk, I think it's simpler than that. We need a top 6 forward that can bury the chances that are available, and a defenseman that can be responsible in his own end and breakout quickly.

Not saying they can or would, but if it was an option, would anyone have a problem trading Hossa if it netted both of these? At this point in time, Hossa is a very good/great defensive forward and an average offensive one.

I'm less interested in who actually goes. I'm more interested in what comes back. As long as it gets us closer to strong puck possession, and and better shooting % I'm all for it.

I guess you have to consider team chemistry, but I'm of the opinion that if you are scoring goals and winning games, the chemistry will be there anyway.
- Chunk

Interesting point about Hossa Chunk, my thoughts are a little different though. No idea if they would trade him, I highly doubt it; but how about moving him down to the 3rd line when he returns and using the new guys (assuming we get some newer guys too) on the first line.

His hands seems to have left him and I would think as a "pro's pro" he wouldn't complain as its all about the team. So my question is more for the hockey experts (Mex, JJ, Dabear etc).....would his talents "translate well" to that role or is that something that doesn't make sense from a pure hockey perspective? Appreciate the insight and grazie.

Interesting point about Hossa Chunk, my thoughts are a little different though. No idea if they would trade him, I highly doubt it; but how about moving him down to the 3rd line when he returns and using the new guys (assuming we get some newer guys too) on the first line.

His hands seems to have left him and I would think as a "pro's pro" he wouldn't complain as its all about the team. So my question is more for the hockey experts (Mex, JJ, Dabear etc).....would his talents "translate well" to that role or is that something that doesn't make sense from a pure hockey perspective? Appreciate the insight and grazie.
- ILGolfer

In the playoffs I don't think it would make sense. He's too valuable defensively to be playing 3rd line minutes.

IfMontreal wants to trade us Emelin, I'm in, do they still have Eller or is he gone?

In the playoffs I don't think it would make sense. He's too valuable defensively to be playing 3rd line minutes.
- Dabearshawks

Thanks Dabearshawks for the insight. Trying to remember back to last year's run, or even 2013. What was the distribution in minutes for the 4 lines, more or less? Was thinking they were closer together (per line) than one would think. I would assume most teams would have a (approx) 30-35% for the #1 and #2 lines with #3 line getting about 20-25% and the #4 getting the remainder.

But weren't the Hawks SC winning teams much closer together in line time?

Let Dano come up and get some playing time for god sakes. He plays a full 200 ft and gets after the puck. Barring a trade, WTF would Q/Stan not consider this? He is the most skilled natural RW in Rockford.. TT on the top line? Ummmm not in his current mind set. Kid is not dialed in at the moment.

JJ - your writing is so logical and effective. Great stuff as usual.

You should go into politics or at least be the speechwriter for a practical, no-nonsense type of candidate. Imagine someone who can frame an argument responsibly and respond to all the challenges at hand by laying out a nice succinct train of logic for what needs to be done. By addressing the naysayers' concerns in a constructive but logical way and admitting feathers may be a little ruffled, you might actually get poopte done.
- DMChi2010

Wiz in '16!
("He could still surprise ya!")

It's been echoed time and time again, but dang is it true - JJ your writing is Grade A in my opinion. Great blog that tells it like it is.

The more I think about it, the more it seems to make more sense. All in for a cup. I admittedly am one of those individuals who believe the future should not be mortgaged for an all in but now I think I may be wrong. So do you trade a Teravainen, Dano, Hartman, or Pokka for rental success? I have no clue. I guess time will tell. I would hate to see the three young forwards go, especially Dano and Hartman because of their limited NHL exposure. And of course Teravainen.

You're correct JJ. This is where things get fun and interesting.
Keep up the good work JJ.
- 93Joe

Thank you Joe (and others)! I really appreciate it!

All in it is!

Teuvo, Bickell, 1st rd pick, mid round pick, & Hartman for Skinner and Rask.

If Hossa is out:
Skinner-Toews-Shaw
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Desjardins-Rask-Panik
Rasmussen-Danault-Sekac

With Hossa:
Skinner-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Desjardins-Rask-Shaw matchup problem deluxe!
Panik-Danault-Sekac
- Dabearshawks

Where would Kruger fit in if and when he is healthy?

The question comes, how much does overpaying for rentals now improve the chances of winning this year? There has to be a balance between taking advantage of the window and keeping the window open.

Give up too much now and next year will be another purge of a couples vets you can't keep (Rentals or not) and suddenly no more inexpensive talent to fill the holes.

Personally, I'd love to see them win another cup, but not if it means watching Kane/Toews spend the rest of their careers trying to carry this team because they got nothing left for a supporting cast.

Right now, this year, the Hawks are not the favorites to win. We are in the mix, but Washington, Dallas, LA, Anahiem, Tampa, Florida... there as some real contenders. I don't see 1-2 players putting us ahead of all these teams. In three games this year, Dallas has mostly outplayed us. We haven't had a good game against Washington since I don't know when. LA and Anahiem are no easy task to beat. Tampa and Florida both have increasing young talent that can do damage.

I just hope Stan makes smart moves and doesn't give away all the future. The prospect cupboard is nearly bare after all these years of purging talent and players.

It's been echoed time and time again, but dang is it true - JJ your writing is Grade A in my opinion. Great blog that tells it like it is.

The more I think about it, the more it seems to make more sense. All in for a cup. I admittedly am one of those individuals who believe the future should not be mortgaged for an all in but now I think I may be wrong. So do you trade a Teravainen, Dano, Hartman, or Pokka for rental success? I have no clue. I guess time will tell. I would hate to see the three young forwards go, especially Dano and Hartman because of their limited NHL exposure. And of course Teravainen.

You're correct JJ. This is where things get fun and interesting.
Keep up the good work JJ.
- 93Joe

Hey JJ, with your writings......you had to be a English prof or an attorney in your prior life!!!!

The question comes, how much does overpaying for rentals now improve the chances of winning this year? There has to be a balance between taking advantage of the window and keeping the window open.

Give up too much now and next year will be another purge of a couples vets you can't keep (Rentals or not) and suddenly no more inexpensive talent to fill the holes.

Personally, I'd love to see them win another cup, but not if it means watching Kane/Toews spend the rest of their careers trying to carry this team because they got nothing left for a supporting cast.

Right now, this year, the Hawks are not the favorites to win. We are in the mix, but Washington, Dallas, LA, Anahiem, Tampa, Florida... there as some real contenders. I don't see 1-2 players putting us ahead of all these teams. In three games this year, Dallas has mostly outplayed us. We haven't had a good game against Washington since I don't know when. LA and Anahiem are no easy task to beat. Tampa and Florida both have increasing young talent that can do damage.

I just hope Stan makes smart moves and doesn't give away all the future. The prospect cupboard is nearly bare after all these years of purging talent and players.
- breadbag

Good points Bread for sure but for me, I wouldn't worry about FL, TB or Wash....only because if we play them, it will be in the Finals and I'll take my chances in a 7 game series with any of those teams. Or put it this way...if we got to the finals and were to play any of those teams, do you think we would NOT be the favorites against any of them, even Wash? I think most "experts" would side with the Hawks against the Caps just on experience alone.

Now the WC is a another story. Any of those teams you mentioned can beat the Hawks in a series per se. I think any top tier WC team, us, LA, ANA or Dallas could win the conference or lose in the first round. Just too close to call in the WC.

This was a great read. Don't know what to think of the Montréal rumor..


I want Ladd back, badly.
- SUDA88

Galchenyuk.

We don't need anything from Montreal except tom Gilbert for extra d help. I really hope they don't get weise can't stand him. Mashinter actually played mean the last two games and looked good. We need to trade for a top forward id send tt out asap. Sekac is a waste we need someone more physical in the bottom 3 and desi needs to go back to the 4th line he's got to be the slowest skater on the team I think scott could beat him in a foot race.

Hey JJ, with your writings......you had to be a English prof or an attorney in your prior life!!!!
- ILGolfer

Close. Advertising copywriter/creative director. Thx Golfer. Hey with your golf background in the NW burbs, did you ever know the Milligans (Lee and Mike)?

Interesting point about Hossa Chunk, my thoughts are a little different though. No idea if they would trade him, I highly doubt it; but how about moving him down to the 3rd line when he returns and using the new guys (assuming we get some newer guys too) on the first line.

His hands seems to have left him and I would think as a "pro's pro" he wouldn't complain as its all about the team. So my question is more for the hockey experts (Mex, JJ, Dabear etc).....would his talents "translate well" to that role or is that something that doesn't make sense from a pure hockey perspective? Appreciate the insight and grazie.
- ILGolfer

Hossa has a deal (at his age) that can't be traded, IMO. I believe that Hoss will attempt to fulfill his contract to its end, and over the next couple of seasons, we will see him drop down a notch or two in the lineup to reflect his lack of statistical production. And you are quite right, Hoss' skill set makes him an IDEAL 3rd liner for the Hawks. Personally, I don't know that Hoss can make another 5 seasons after this one, but if there is one player who can, it's Marian Hossa.

The time and the window is now not next year or two three years down the road.
Nothing is a given in the coming seasons.

I hope mgt. does the right thing here. Vermette was certainly a home run last season. And I pray that Stan doesn't trade for Kimmo Timonen part II.

It'll be interesting to see what Hossa's injury and status are moving forward here.
It's a huge loss for the present time.

Any word on whether Dano is going to be called up with Hossa out?

I'm on the fence, low level prospect second round pick, I'm in

1st round pick and low level prospect, better be a good contributing player

Possible top 6 prospect like TT Dano or Gusto, no thanks not for a rental unless like Al says you know and are for certain any of these players won't be a top 6 forward.

What if we get desperate trade TT or Dano for whoever and we don't win the cup and 2 years later the traded player is an impactful top 6 player I know for one I'll be pissed because in essence the front office panicked and hurt our chances to win any SC going forward

So I'm one of the few that say Hell to the NO, TT, Dano, Gusto for a rental no thank you

I'm on the fence, low level prospect second round pick, I'm in

1st round pick and low level prospect, better be a good contributing player

Possible top 6 prospect like TT Dano or Gusto, no thanks not for a rental unless like Al says you know and are for certain any of these players won't be a top 6 forward.

What if we get desperate trade TT or Dano for whoever and we don't win the cup and 2 years later the traded player is an impactful top 6 player I know for one I'll be pissed because in essence the front office panicked and hurt our chances to win any SC going forward

So I'm one of the few that say Hell to the NO, TT, Dano, Gusto for a rental no thank you
- BetweenTheDots

I'm wth you 100%


TT is playing like a little female dog but you gotta remember he's like a freshman on the Varsity. You see the skill the vision but he isn't up to speed on the speed or tenacity of the game yet .

Where would Kruger fit in if and when he is healthy?
- BGKarras

If Kruger was healthy bottom 6 could be something like:
Panik-Rask-Sekac
Desjardins-Kruger-Shaw

Close. Advertising copywriter/creative director. Thx Golfer. Hey with your golf background in the NW burbs, did you ever know the Milligans (Lee and Mike)?
- John Jaeckel

I do fine sir. Was paired against Mike and his partner last year in our Thompson Cup (top IL amateurs against the top pros) matches. My Dad (Lou Esposito) and uncle (Emil) were/are friends with him, as am I now, LOL. Small freaking world!!!

Now it all makes sense, advertising field......no wonder you've got that silver tongue/pen/key strokes.

I'm wth you 100%


TT is playing like a little female dog but you gotta remember he's like a freshman on the Varsity. You see the skill the vision but he isn't up to speed on the speed or tenacity of the game yet .
- mrpaulish

Nikita Filitov and about 100 other former 1st round picks over the years had high end puck skill and never made it. Why? Bc they don't have the killer instinct to battle and compete against men with 20-40 lbs on them. I don't see anything from TT that makes him untouchable for the right return. His cap hit is nice but for how many games does he suck and Q keeps putting him in the lineup?? Put him on the RW with Panik and Toews and if he still isn't doing anything besides turn the puck over, he should be out of the lineup. The time to win the Cup is now. Who knows if TT will ever be anything more than a Nikita Filatov...

ALL IN !!!
JVR is still the perfect candidate for the HAWKS, with increased value down the road.

We don't need anything from Montreal except tom Gilbert for extra d help. I really hope they don't get weise can't stand him. Mashinter actually played mean the last two games and looked good. We need to trade for a top forward id send tt out asap. Sekac is a waste we need someone more physical in the bottom 3 and desi needs to go back to the 4th line he's got to be the slowest skater on the team I think scott could beat him in a foot race.
- vandymeer23

Vandy, here is one for you, Rogers sports net.CA, shows this kid Petrovic going 3times in one game with Evander Kane, I don't think this latest version has 3fights all season, Q was talking about this team , waking up, getting dirty, working hard where a potential scrap may happen , still say to passive and soft. I would like a Kid likeTom Wilson or Mashintor to play like Tom Wilson for a change, I thought he was supposed to have an A game when it comes to fighting. It's a matter of time before Andrew Shaw takes on one of these bigger guys and gets the livin piss beat out of him. I miss some of the old time hockey.

Edit:I would take John Scott back right now, pay him the minimum ,dress him when needed, that would make some of these other guys play ALot bigger knowing that is sitting on the bench an has their backs, problem is, we got no one now so these guys just stay on the perimeter when it gets alittle hairy!

Hossa has a deal (at his age) that can't be traded, IMO. I believe that Hoss will attempt to fulfill his contract to its end, and over the next couple of seasons, we will see him drop down a notch or two in the lineup to reflect his lack of statistical production. And you are quite right, Hoss' skill set makes him an IDEAL 3rd liner for the Hawks. Personally, I don't know that Hoss can make another 5 seasons after this one, but if there is one player who can, it's Marian Hossa.
- MexicoHawk

Thanks Mex and have to agree with you in that if one guy can make it to his contract end, its Hossa. Takes great care of himself and would likely do that unless we get that bolt out of the blue...ie, a career ending injury...but that could happen to anyone anytime.

Speaking of Hossa, I know Dan Roan pretty well from our golf tournaments and I remember him telling me once that when he would be in the locker room after games and see Hossa au natural (more of less), he said it was like looking at a body builder. Muscles on top of muscles and not a bit of fat on him. So yeah, if healthy enough, think he would take a great deal of pride in fulfilling his contract.